Wild Pacific Trail - Lighthouse Loop

Hiking along the Wild Pacific Trail – Lighthouse Loop is a fun, exciting, and educational experience that almost everyone can enjoy as there is so much to do and see along this short route. While the Wild Pacific Trail is broken up into three non-consecutive trails in the Ucluelet area, the Lighthouse Loop lies south of the town and is arguably the most beautiful. With the trail’s reputation as a popular tourist destination comes the increased levels of foot traffic and strain on the parking infrastructure. If you want to guarantee yourself a parking space close by and have the trail to yourself, make sure to arrive early to beat the crowds.

High foot traffic aside, this is a spectacular trail that offers so much for hikers with all types of interests. Those who enjoy visiting historical sites can check out the lighthouse built in 1915 or take a guided tour to learn more about the area. Wildlife lovers can explore the local plant life and whale watching, and people who enjoy spending time by the water can visit one of several beaches just off the trail. No matter your secondary interests, everyone who hikes along the Lighthouse Loop will be taken aback by the natural beauty, and picturesque scenery found along this special stretch of Pacific coastline.

Setting out from the parking area, head east and follow the trail into the forest, where you will soon reach a junction. Go right and follow along the wooden boardwalk for 722ft as it heads towards the rocky edge of the water. Reaching another junction, take the trail to the right to follow the water’s edge, and you will quickly come to a monument for the Graveyard of the Pacific. This part of the coast stretching from Vancouver Island to Oregon was infamous for the number of shipwrecks in its waters during the 18th century.

Continuing along the trail, you will pass by several scenic vantage points that overlook the captivating expanse of the Pacific Ocean. Roughly 1148ft after the Graveyard of the Pacific Monument, you will come to another junction. Follow the path to the left to head towards the Amphitrite Lighthouse, an active lighthouse built in 1906 and replaced with the current structure in 1915.

After the lighthouse, the trail will turn north and pass by a few lookouts on the left before making its way around the edge of a rocky beach. This is a great spot to explore the rugged coastal landscape that characterizes this stretch of the island. As you continue through the temperate rainforest, the trail will meander along the edge of the coast until you get to He-Tin-Kis Beach. Here, hikers can sit in the sun and enjoy the nice views over the water.

After wrapping up at the beach, follow the trail to the east as it begins to cut through the thick forest on a route back to the trailhead. Along this part of the hike, you will be able to witness the beautiful biodiversity of the West Coast temperate rainforest in its full glory. Arriving at Coast Guard Drive, make your way over the road to pick the trail back up and head into the parking area on the right, having completed the Wild Pacific Trail – Lighthouse Loop.

Trail Highlights

Amphitrite Point Lighthouse

The Amphitrite Point Lighthouse is an active lighthouse in Ucluelet, BC. It is actually the only one in the Tofino area that can be reach by land, with others only accessible by boat. The original wooden structure was built in 1906 but was destroyed during a storm in 1914. The current concrete lighthouse has been in operation since 1915. The lighthouse is named after the Greek sea goddess and Poseidon’s wife, Amphitrite.